ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt pays homage to fallen heroes at KRC War Memorial, Ranikhet
Mrs Pushpa Bhatt felicitates veer naris
Raksha Rajya Mantri and Minister of State for Tourism Shri Ajay Bhatt paid tribute to fallen heroes at Kumaon Regimental Centre  War Memorial in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand on December 27, 2021. He also honoured the veer naris as a mark of respect and gratitude. They were felicitated by Smt Pushpa Bhatt, wife of Shri Ajay Bhatt.
The couple also visited KRC Woollens, a rehabilitation project run by veer naris of KRC since 1976. Raksha Rajya Mantri is on official tour to Uttarakhand as part of Vijay Sankalp Yatra that commenced from December 26, 2021.
Shri Ajay Bhatt said, the supreme sacrifices of the families of the soldiers always helped in winning wars and ensured safety of the Nation. He added that the whole nation will always remain indebted for the supreme sacrifices made by our brave soldiers and Government of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stands firmly with their families.
Kumaon Regiment Centre Deputy Commandant Colonel Sanjay Kumar Yadav was also present during the wreath laying ceremony at KRC War Memorial, Ranikhet.
Nampi/DK/RP
(Visitor Counter : 665
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India and EFTA take further steps towards a new Trade and Partnership Agreement 
Shri Piyush Goyal discusses modalities of engagement for working towards a comprehensive TEPA with EFTA representatives
Significant progress in taking forward the negotiations on India-EFTA TEPA
Following is the text of Press Communique issued at the conclusion of talks between Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Government of India and leaders of European Free Trade Association:
“India and the European Free Trade Association  States  have taken a significant stride forward in their quest for a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement . In a Ministerial meeting held in Brussels today, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles of India; Guy Parmelin, Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research; Einar Gunnarsson, Ambassador, Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Iceland in Geneva; Kurt Jäger, Ambassador, Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to EFTA, WTO and the UN in Geneva, and Erik Andreas Underland, Specialist Director at the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries, discussed the modalities of engagement for working towards a comprehensive TEPA. This second Ministerial gathering followed a series of expert meetings that took place online the previous week.
The Ministerial meeting marked a significant milestone in taking forward the negotiations on a TEPA between India and EFTA. Both sides emphasised the importance of building their discussions on principles of trust and respect for each other's sensitivities to achieve a fair, equitable and balanced agreement. Indeed, a TEPA between EFTA and India could bring significant economic benefits, such as integrated and resilient supply chains and new opportunities for businesses and individuals on both sides leading to increased trade and investment flows, job creation, and economic growth.
The delegations agreed to ramp up their efforts and continue their discussions at a steady pace, with several more meetings planned over the coming months, to arrive at a common understanding on critical issues pertaining to TEPA.”
Special Service and Features
‘INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY-2022’ Observed in Income Tax Department, Chennai.
‘INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY’ was observed on 21.06.2022 in the presence of Shri. R. Ravichandran, IRS, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax  at Income Tax Department, ‘Aayakar Bhawan’, No.121, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
Around 350 Officers and Officials of the Income Tax Department, Chennai participated in the event. Eminent yoga teacher Dr. Vikram Srinivasan conducted the session.
Income Tax Department  have organised similar events in 26 stations all over TN & P charge. The locations were Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Erode, Ooty, Hosur, Pollachi, Vellore, Tiruppur, Krishnagiri, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Nagappatinam, Nagercoil, Thiruvarur, Pudukkottai, Karur and Perambalur.
Around 1050 Officers and Officials participated in the International Yoga Day, 2022 in Tamilnadu and Puducherry Charge. This released issued by Income Tax Department, Chennai.
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Ministry of Defence
KEEL LAYING CEREMONY FOR 1st WARSHIP OF ASW SHALLOW WATER CRAFT PROJECT AND 3rd WARSHIP OF SURVEY VESSEL LARGE PROJECT
Keels of the first warship of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft  project and the third warship of Survey Vessel Large  project for the Indian Navy were laid virtually on 06 Aug 2021 by VAdm SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of Naval Staff. The ships are being built by GRSE as part of the indigenous shipbuilding program for construction of eight ASWSWC and four SVL for the Indian Navy. The ships are partly being built under a unique Public Private Partnership model by GRSE at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. The Keel Laying is a major milestone activity in the shipbuilding process and indicates the amalgamation of various blocks towards construction of a ship.
VAdm Kiran Deshmukh, CWP&A, RAdm GK Harish, DGND , RAdmVKSaxena , CMD/GRSE, and other senior officials of the Indian Navy and GRSE were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest appreciated the efforts put in by GRSE and L&T in achieving this milestone despite COVID constraints and resultant lockdowns. He called it a noteworthy achievement by the Shipyard and commended the professionalism displayed by all. He highlighted that construction of these vessels is a major boost for AtmaNirbhar Bharat and India’s ‘Make in India’ commitment with most of the weapons, sensors and equipment being indigenous.
He added that the ASW Shallow Water Craft equipped with state-of-the-art underwater sensors and weapons will boost the Navy’s ASW capability. The SVL ships capable of full-scale coastal survey, deep-water Hydrographic survey and determination of Navigational channels/ routes will also be fitted with state of art equipment.
Highlighting various challenges faced by the Shipyard in executing this complex shipbuilding project CMD-GRSE stated that despite challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, production of the ships continued by utilisation of innovative solutions. He thanked the Indian Navy for their unstinted support and reiterated GRSE’s commitment to cater for the requirement of modern surface fleets.
ABBB/VM/PS
(Visitor Counter : 1401
President's Secretariat
President of India inaugurates 7th International Dharma Dhamma conference in Bhopal
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 7th International Dharma Dhamma Conference, organised by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies, in Bhopal today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the great banyan tree of Indian spirituality has its roots in India and its branches and vines are spread all over the world.
The President said that for scholars, there are different schools of philosophy. But mystic of the world speak the same language. When realised souls decided to become compassionate teachers or gurus, their traditions came into existence. Many such traditions originated in India and have been flourishing across the world.
The President said that the concept of Dharma-Dhamma has been the basic voice of Indian consciousness. In our tradition it is said, “Dharyate anen iti dharmah” - That which supports is dharma. The entire humanity rests on the foundation stone of religion. Progress of individuals and society with the spirit of friendship, compassion and non-violence as well as free from attachment and hatred, has been the main message of Eastern humanism. Personal conduct and social order based on morality is the practical form of Eastern humanism. It has been considered the duty of every person to preserve and strengthen such a system based on morality.
The President said that Eastern humanism looks at the universe as a moral stage and not as a material battle-ground. In the building and sustaining of this moral order, every individual has to be action-oriented and not rely on fate. Eastern humanism believes that blind impulses lead to individual fights and even wars between countries. When India proclaims on the global stage that the entire world is but one family, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, it proclaims its commitment to eastern humanism.
The President said that it is a matter of pride that religion has occupied a central place in our country's tradition, social system and political activities since time immemorial. The deep impact of Dharma-Dhamma is clearly visible on the democratic system, we adopted after independence. Our national emblem is from the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. The wheel of Dharma is adorned in our national flag. Mahatma Gandhi spread the message of non-violence and compassion of Lord Buddha through his values and actions.
The President said that realizing the cause of human's suffering, and showing the way to get rid of that suffering, is the characteristic of Eastern humanism, which has become more important in today's era. In our tradition of Dharma-Dhamma, the prayers for welfare of all have been a part of our lives. This is the essence of Eastern humanism.
Please Click here to see the President's Speech -
Ministry of Finance
ADB, India sign $250 million loan to expand energy efficiency investments in India
The Asian Development Bank  and the Government of India on 16th December 2019 signed a $250 million loan to Energy Efficiency Services Limited  to expand energy efficiency investments in India that will benefit agricultural, residential and institutional consumers. In addition, $46 million financing will be provided from the Clean Technology Fund , to be administered by ADB.
ADB previously approved a $200 million loan to EESL, a public sector energy service company, in 2016 for Demand Side Energy Efficiency Sector Project that focused on efficient lighting and appliances.
The signatories to the loan agreement were Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary , Department of Economic Affairs in India’s Ministry of Finance, and Mr Kenichi Yokoyama, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signed the agreement for EESL.
Shri Khare said after the loan signing that the project is expected to contribute to the mission of Government of India to promote energy efficiency and meet Government’s commitments to reduce energy intensity of the economy. Further elaborating on the issue, he said, introduction of energy-efficient technologies in eligible states including smart meters, distributed solar photovoltaic systems and electric vehicles will help reduce electricity network losses and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Talking about the deal, Mr Yokoyama said that this is one of the few ADB projects specially focused on demand-side energy efficiency targeting upstream efficiency opportunities and business models that can be scaled up in India and other ADB developing member countries. The project’s smart metering component will help address billing and collection inefficiencies.
EESL will also explore business models to generate greater public demand for e-vehicles to support India’s current push for electric vehicles.
Promoting awareness of the benefits of using energy efficient technologies is another feature of the project. Awareness campaigns will engage local organisations in knowledge-sharing and training, with a focus on women electricity consumers. Capacity building for electricity distribution, regulatory agencies, and other government bodies will also be carried out.
Accompanying the loan will be a technical assistance  of $2 million to support EESL in implementing the project, including a gender action plan, mobilising private sector participation in energy efficiency services, identifying new business opportunities, and transferring knowledge about successful models.
The TA will also support the identification and development of new subprojects and pilot test some technologies. The grant comes from the Clean Technology Fund, to be administered by ADB.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.
In 2018, it made commitments of new loans and grants amounting to $21.6 billion.
Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members — 49 from the region.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
DARPG curates National Good Governance Webinars on Initiatives awarded with the Prime Minister’s Awards to disseminate the best practices and sharing of experiences of the award-winning initiatives to facilitate replication by other States/Districts
9 Webinars held till December, 2022 with participation of DCs/ DMs of all States/ UTs, Senior Officers of Government of India and States/ UTs and Trainees of Administrative Training Institutes
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances is conducting a series of 13 National Good Governance Webinars, one webinar a month on different themes, on the last Friday of every month, over the year 2022-2023, starting with the first Webinar on 28.04.2022 on the theme ‘Improving Public Service Delivery’.
The Webinars have been planned in compliance of the of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s address on the occasion of Civil Services Day, 2022, that virtual Sessions of 1-1.5 Hours should be conducted with the award winners as the Lead Speakers, to disseminate the best practices.
The purpose of the Webinars is to highlight and disseminate the best practices and sharing of experiences of the award-winning initiatives to facilitate replication by other States/Districts. DCs/ DMs of all States/ UTs, Senior Officers of Government of India and State and Trainees of Administrative Training Institutes participate in the Webinars.
A specific theme/sector is taken up in each month, in which two award winners are invited to present their experiences. Nine  Webinars have been held till December, 2022 on the themes ‘Improving Public Service Delivery’ ; ‘Health’ ; ‘Aspirational District Programme’ ; ‘Public Grievance Redressal’, ‘Environment’ , ‘Public Service Delivery’, ‘Public Participation  through Swachh Bharat Mission’ ; ‘Innovation’  and ‘Jal/ Water Management’ .
The Webinar Series has been a very successful programme of DARPG with very wide participation of 700-1200 Participants in different Webinars and is expected to disseminate and help in replication of the best governance practices across India.
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SNC/RR
(Visitor Counter : 864
Prime Minister's Office
When it comes to embracing latest technology, the people of India are undisputed champions: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has hailed the innovative zeal and great adaptability of citizens of India and has reiterated the government's commitment keep this momentum going in the times to come.
Replying to a tweet by a citizen about the strides that the country has made in the field of digital payments, the Prime Minister tweeted :
"When it comes to embracing latest technology, the people of India are undisputed champions! They have shown an innovative zeal and great adaptability. This change is visible across India and we will keep this momentum going in the times to come."
Ministry of Finance
Scheme to Provide Loans Under Short Term Agriculture Loan
In order to provide short term crop loans upto `3.00 lakh to farmers at a concessional interest rate of 7 per cent per annum, the Government of India in the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare  implements an interest subvention scheme which provides interest subvention of 2% per annum to lending institutions viz. Public Sector Banks , Private Sector Commercial Banks , Regional Rural Banks  and Cooperative Banks on use of their own resources. Besides, additional 3% incentive is given to the farmers for prompt repayment of the loan, thereby reducing the effective rate of interest to 4%.
As reported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development  the number of farmers who have availed crop loans from Cooperative Banks and RRBs and benefited with 3% prompt repayment incentive under the scheme in Maharashtra during the last 3 years are given in following table:
|
|
Year
|
|
No. of farmers provided 3% prompt repayment incentive
|
|
2015-16
|
|
2636190
|
|
2016-17
|
|
1825900
|
|
2017-18|
|
790724As regards commercial banks, the State wise data in respect of farmers benefitted under Interest Subvention Scheme is not maintained centrally by Reserve Bank of India.
Government releases funds to settle interest subvention claims of banks through Reserve Bank of India and NABARD. The details of amount released under Interest Subvention Scheme during the last three years are as under:

|
|
Year
|
|
2015-16
|
|
2016-17
|
|
2017-18
|
|
Released
|
|
13,000
|
|
13,397.13
|
|
13045.72
This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the people on the festival of Holi
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the nation on the festival of Holi. Following is the full text of his message –
“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Holi – the festival of colours.
Celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm throughout the country, the colourful festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. Holi also symbolizes the ability to mingle and share happiness with every fellow citizen of our country. The confluence of vibrant colours during this spring festival is a reminder of our composite culture and shared civilizational values.
In our country, festivals are always an occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate. But this time, given the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge my fellow citizens to celebrate the festival by adhering to COVID health and hygiene protocols.
May this festival bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives.”
Following is the Hindi text of the message -
रंगों के त्योहार होली के शुभ अवसर पर मैं देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएँ देता हूँ।
देश भर में अत्यधिक हर्षोल्लास और उत्साह से मनाया जाने वाला होली का रंगारंग त्योहार बुराई पर अच्छाई की जीत का उत्सव है। होली देश के प्रत्येक नागरिक के साथ मिल-जुल कर खुशियां बांटने की क्षमता का भी प्रतीक है। बसंत ऋतु के इस त्योहार के दौरान आकर्षक रंगों का मिश्रण हमारी मिश्रित संस्कृति और सभ्यता के साझे मूल्यों का भी अनुस्मारक है।
हमारे देश में, त्योहार सदैव परिवार और मित्रों के साथ मिलकर खुशियां मनाने के अवसर होते हैं। लेकिन इस बार, कोविड-19 विश्वव्यापी महामारी को देखते हुए, मैं देशवासियों से आग्रह करता हूं कि वे कोविड-स्वास्थ्य और स्वच्छता संबंधी नयाचारों का पालन करते हुए इस पर्व को मनायें।
मैं कामना करता हूँ कि यह त्योहार हमारे जीवन में शांति, सौहार्द्र, समृद्धि और खुशियां लेकर आए।
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Generation of E-waste
The Central Pollution Control Board  estimates the e-waste generation at national level based on the countrywide sales data provided by producers and average life of notified electrical and electronic equipment , as mandated under the E-waste Management Rules, 2016. As per the information available with CPCB, e-waste generated in the country from twenty-one  types of EEE notified under the E-Waste  Rules, 2016 since Financial Year  2017-18 is given below:
|
|
Financial Year
|
|
Generation 
|
|
2017-18
|
|
7,08,445.00
|
|
2018-19
|
|
7,71,215.00
|
|
2019-20
|
|
10,14,961.21
|
|
2020-21
|
|
13,46,496.31
|
|
2021-22
|
|
16,01,155.36
The import and export of hazardous and other wastes is regulated under the Hazardous and Other Wastes  Rules, 2016 notified by the Ministry. E-waste has been listed under Basel No. A1180 in the schedule VI of the said rules and prohibited for import.
Ministry has comprehensively revised the previous set of Rules and notified the E-Waste  Rules, 2022 in November, 2022 and the same is enforce since 1st April, 2023. These new rules intend to manage e-waste in an environmentally sound manner and put in place an improved Extended Producer Responsibility  regime for e-waste recycling wherein all the manufacturer, producer, refurbisher and recycler are required to register on portal developed by CPCB. The new provisions would facilitate and channelize the informal sector to formal sector for doing business and ensure recycling of E-waste in environmentally sound manner. Provisions for environmental compensation and verification & audit have also been introduced. These rules also promote Circular Economy through EPR regime and scientific recycling/disposal of the e-waste.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Ministry of Defence
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF OF INDIAN ARMY TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCE COOPERATION WITH VISIT TO TANZANIA
General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff  of the Indian Army embarks on an official visit to Tanzania from 2nd to 5th October 2023, reinforcing the long-standing defence ties between the two countries.
The COAS is scheduled to visit Dar es Salaam, the Tanzanian capital, the historical city of Zanzibar, and Arusha. He will engage in discussions and meetings with a host of dignitaries and senior officers from Tanzania. During his visit, the COAS is likely to call on the Hon’ble President of the Union Republic of Tanzania Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan.
High on the agenda are the planned meetings with Hon’ble Defence Minister Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax and the Chief of Defence Force General Jacob John Mkunda. The COAS will also be visiting Zanzibar and call on Hon’ble President of Zanzibar His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi. In addition, interaction with the Commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade General Saidi Hamisi Saidi is also scheduled.
General Manoj Pande will also be addressing the National Defence College and interacting with Major General Wilbert Augustine Ibuge Commandant and the faculty. Additionally, a meeting with Brigadier General Stephen Justice Mnkande, Commandant of the Command and Staff College, Duluti is also planned during the visit.
The visit also coincides with the 2nd India Tanzania Mini DEFEXPO being conducted at Dar-es-Salaam which will showcase the growing prowess of the Indigenous defence industry complex of India.
The bilateral defence relationship between India and Tanzania has been robust and thriving. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in October 2003 laid a strong foundation. This cooperation was further underscored by the second meeting of the India-Tanzania Joint Defence Cooperation Committee held in Arusha, Tanzania on 28th and 29th June this year.
Both the Indian and Tanzanian Army offer vacancies for each other in professional military courses. This has helped the personnel from both countries build strong bonds, exchange ideas and share best practices. The Tanzanian Army has been consistently participating in the UN Peacekeeping training in India over the last five years. Similarly, a Training Team of the Indian Army has been deployed at Command and Staff College, Duluti since year 2017.
Tanzanian military delegations have been regularly visiting India symbolising the deep military cooperation between both countries. In the recent past, Tanzanian delegations made a notable presence at Aero India 23, Indo Africa Army Chiefs Conclave-23 and AFINDEX-23. Senior military leaders from Tanzania also visited India during Def Expo 22 and recently concluded the 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF 23.
This visit of the COAS further consolidates the high-level bilateral defence engagements and close defence ties shared between India and Tanzania. The visit promises to not just celebrate the existing collaborations but also pave the way for a stronger future partnership.